Wake up America, the dream is over, we need other countries just like they need us

M Motard, USA

People, examine what's around you carefully. Today, the US is the most hated, feared and possibly misunderstood country in the world. Middle Eastern countries abhor us, African nations do not support us, Europe by and large does not agree with our heavy-handed tactics and the Asian countries while resenting our bullish ways look to us as trade partners. I can assure you that we are the most disliked and least trusted nation since 1945. It's time we changed our ways and stop this jingoistic, patriotic and meaningless banter. A decade from now we will not be the only economic power and will find ourselves being sidelined and isolated. Let's face it, GWB has put us deep in debt, and presented America in a poor manner. All I can say is, wake up America, the dream is over, we need other countries just like they need us.M Motard, USA

President Bush has made the United States less safe. Bin Laden has not been caught and his group is getting stronger. Bush once said that he did not care where Bin Laden was. That shows that he does not seem to care for the safety of his own country.Joseph Sarno, Old Wesbury, New York, USA

Joseph Sarno: Bush is right not to worry where Bin Laden is, for the simple reason that it doesn't matter. He could be in Afghanistan, Old Westbury or Nottingham for all the difference it makes. Presuming he's still alive (personally I think he's dead - but neither side benefits from admitting that) all he needs is internet access to order an attack. Five miles or 5,000 miles makes little difference these days.Peter, Nottingham, UK

I have to say that Neil seems to be the only panellist that is taking an honest look at both candidates. And ultimately it is Americans like Neil in TN that will decide the outcome of this election. Kerry is in the spotlight next week, and that will be his chance to connect. The report itself said what we already know. That our government is one big bureaucracy! The one question I think should have been addressed is why did the administration not finish up the job in Afghanistan, and get Osama? Does anybody remember him?Robert, Boston

I also feel less safe in the US than I did before. I believe that the cause for our lack of security is not so much the fault of the intelligence community but of our foreign policy which has angered much of the world.Amanda Cuellar, Waco, USA

The President is responsible for ensuring that all agencies work properly, from the top down

James A Hammond, Redlands, California, USA

I disagree. The President is responsible for ensuring that all agencies work properly, from the top down. Unlike Harry Truman, who accepted all responsibility, President Bush is busy finding scapegoats. 9/11 should not have happened, nor should the Iraq war. The government had ample evidence that the terrorists were trained in Saudi Arabia, so why have the Saudis escaped any blame? James A Hammond, Redlands, California, USA

"My problem with Kerry is that he has voted against virtually every military and security appropriation bill since he has been in the Senate." This is just patently false! Such an inaccurate and ill-informed opinion is the very reason that democracy in the United States is in such a sad state. Michael Heiderstadt, Mamaroneck, NY, USA

Mr Heiderstadt from NY has no clue what he is talking about. He claims that Kerry didn't vote against the military at every turn. Well prove it. I have read his voting record and surprise surprise - he has. Read up on his record and try and say he didn't. Michael, San Antonio, Texas, USA

Neil, I am also a parent of six (no grandkids yet, though) and I am frightened at what is going on in our country today. I couldn't disagree with you more about Bush's "handle on security". My son, who was in your neck of the woods while serving at Campbell in the 101st, has helped to open my eyes quite a bit. I do not respect Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, or any of the others in this administration. They are civilians who set the course of our nation in Iraq, against all of the best advice of the military commanders who knew better. Mary Broderick, Southborough, MA, USA

I find it very interesting that Mr Sherman says he has not felt safe flying since 9/11, feels "less safe overall", and "worries about security in the US", but then says, "I feel that President Bush has a better handle on the situation than Senator Kerry." Please explain how these contradictions work! Mr Kerry is a Senator, not the President. The fact that Mr Sherman feels unsafe says it all! LV Fyodorova, Washington, DC, USA

It is nice to hear from a politically moderate citizen in the midst of all this partisanship.Brent, Austin, USA

Neil, your "wartime" president sat paralysed for seven minutes after Karl Rove told him our country was attacked and you feel better having him lead during this war. I'm glad you're not partisan!Liz Coromilas, Brooklyn, NY, USA